The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is reporting that it secured $30.9 million on behalf of aggrieved consumers in 2018.

Director of Communications, CAC, Latoya Halstead, told JIS News that the amount represented a 43.8 per cent increase, compared to the $21 million recovered in 2017 by the agency.

Ms. Halstead said the increase reflected the efforts of the agency to reach amicable resolutions between vendors and consumers.

“Our complaints officers are very well trained as it relates to negotiation, so we try to arrive at a satisfactory position. However, it’s not necessarily on the side of the vendor or consumers, but we try to arrive at an agreed position.

Consumers must also note that redress does not only comprise monetary compensation but it is also repairs and replacement,” she added.

According to Ms. Halstead, the agency will continue to have outreach activities to raise awareness about consumer rights.

“We believe that an empowered consumer is a strong consumer, so our educational activities speak to redress and your rights and responsibilities as a consumer,” she noted.

The CAC handled approximately 1,711 cases on behalf of consumers in 2018, which is a nine per cent increase compared to the 1,600 cases that were addressed in 2017.